What is unique to the Michael 3.0 figure from earlier versions?

March 09, 2010 18:49

The differences between version 3.0 and previous versions of Michael are extensive. Version 3.0 of the Michael figure was the first to be created from the DAZ Unimesh as opposed to being an updated version of the original Michael mesh. Version 3.0 brings the popular Michael figure up to speed with version 3.0 of the famous Victoria model. Version 3.0 of Michael utilizes the INJection/REMoval Pose file system used to inject and remove groups of morphs as needed by the end-user.

Further distinctions between Michael 3.0 and previous versions is that of the improved UV coordinate system, blend zones, and joints. These areas were vastly improved resulting in a much more realistic looking figure when posed and textured. The improved blend zones and joint parameters allow Michael to appear much more human-like in extreme poses. The UV system used in Michael 3.0 is compatible with Victoria 3.0 and other Unimesh based Millennium Figures. As Michael 3.0 was created from the same Unimesh that Victoria 3.0 was made from, there is a strong compatibility between the two figures. In fact, all the textures maps that have been created for use on Victoria 3.0 should work fine on Michael 3.0. However, not all textures created specifically for Michael 3.0 will work 100% on Victoria 3.0, due to several modifications made to Michael 3.0 during his production.

Texture maps made specifically for use on Michael 1 or Michael 2 will not work on Michael 3.0. There is a method to make them work, however. The "Universal Texture Converter" that is for sale in the DAZ3D online store, will convert your Michael 2.0 maps to work with Michael 3.0's new UV setup. There are also several texture maps that were created prior to Michael 3.0 (for example, the V3 Male Morph Pak contains several male texture maps made specifically for Victoria 3.0 and are compatible with Michael 3.0) that work well on Michael 3.0 as well.

The one limitation being that the genitalia on Michael 3.0 is original and there were no existing textures for that particular portion of the Michael product prior to its release.Created from the master Unimesh geometry, Michael 3.0 contains a conforming prop item used to simulate male genitalia. The past method of "geometry swapping" was discarded for an improved method of using a conforming figure to allow the genitalia to be either present or absent. This method allowed DAZ to make Michael's genitalia fully poseable and ERC enabled. The joint set-up is superior to genitalia using Poser's required genitals set-up. This decision also freed DAZ from Poser's grouping requirements and small blend-zone work area.